Bad Samaritans Using irreverent wit, an engagingly personal style, and a battery of examples, Chang blasts holes in the "World Is Flat" orthodoxy of Thomas Friedman and other liberal economists who argue that only unfettered capitalism and wide-open international trade can lift struggling nations out of poverty. Full description

'A smart, lively and provocative book that offers us compelling new ways to look at globalization' - Joseph E. Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate in Economics, 2001

It's rare that a book appears with a fresh perspective on world affairs, but Ha-Joon Chang has some startlingly original things to say about globalization. In theory, he argues, the world's wealthiest countries and major institutions, such as the IMF and World Bank, want to see all nations become modern, thriving societies. In practice, though, those at the top are 'kicking away the ladder' to wealth that they themselves climbed.

In the course of his exposé Chang reveals double standards at work everywhere: in policy-makers' understanding of history, in their attitudes to such key issues as free trade and foreign investment, and in their baffling prejudices about national stereotypes and 'ideal' forms of government. He shows precisely why these double standards have become so deeply embedded, and how they have damaged - and continue to damage - the developing world. And he convincingly demonstrates how a fairer and more prosperous global economy could be created if only the Bad Samaritans would accept the evidence that is actually staring them in the face.

'This is a marvellous book. Well researched, panoramic in its scope and beautifully written, Bad Samaritans is the perfect riposte to devotees of a one-size-fits-all model of growth and globalization. I strongly urge you to read it' - Larry Elliott, Economics Editor, Guardian

'I recommend this book to people who have any interest in these issues - i.e. everyone' - Bob Geldof

Présentation de l'éditeur :

It's rare that a book appears with a fresh perspective on world affairs, but renowned economist Ha-Joon Chang has some startlingly original things to say about the future of globalization. In theory, he argues, the world's wealthiest countries and supra-national institutions like the IMF, World Bank and WTO want to see all nations developing into modern industrial societies. In practice, though, those at the top are 'kicking away the ladder' to wealth that they themselves climbed.

Why? Self-interest certainly plays a part. But, more often, rich and powerful governments and institutions are actually being 'Bad Samaritans': their intentions are worthy but their simplistic free-market ideology and poor understanding of history leads them to inflict policy errors on others. Chang demonstrates this by contrasting the route to success of economically vibrant countries with the very different route now being dictated to the world's poorer nations. In the course of this, he shows just how muddled the thinking is in such key areas as trade and foreign investment. He shows that the case for privatisation and against state involvement is far from proven. And he explores the ways in which attitudes to national cultures and political ideologies are obscuring clear thinking and creating bad policy. Finally, he argues the case for new strategies for a more prosperous world that may appall the 'Bad Samaritans'.